Local schools gear up for a productive year

CONWAY — Next Thursday, Sept. 3, is the first day of the 2026-27 school year for local districts in SAU 9 and 13, covering schools from Tamworth, Freedom and Madison up to Jackson and Bartlett, as well as Kennett High, Kennett Middle, Conway Intermediate and Pine Tree Primary schools, Meanwhile, charter schools are marching to their own rhythm, some opening Tuesday, Sept. 1, some later. But just because the yellow school buses aren’t rolling yet doesn’t mean staffers haven’t been busy getting the classrooms ready. (Speaking of school buses, you won’t find pages of bus schedules in the paper this year. Instead, here’s a link — sau9.org/transportation — with all the info parents will need.)

In this edition, we’ll explore changes to the lineup at local schools — new teachers and administrators, and others who are familiar faces but wearing new hats. We’ll also highlight charter schools Northeast Woodland, Robert Frost and a new one in Chocorua, Breakthrough Academy. You can read welcome letters from principals, meet the new SAU 13 superintendent and even find out the cost of school lunch. In short, all the hallmarks of a shiny, new school year!